7 Cool Things To Do In Amsterdam

Photo courtesy of Thinkstock. All other photos courtesy A Cruising Couple unless otherwise noted.

Few cities are as intimately beautiful as Amsterdam. From the 17th-century architecture to the winding canals, from the candlelit cafes to the world-renowned art scene—Amsterdam is simply bursting at the seams with delightful details and awe worthy attractions. 

Welcome to Amsterdam

Whether you’re a budget backpacker or a luxury connoisseur, you’re guaranteed to find something to tickle your travel fancy in Amsterdam. We recommend starting with these seven cool activities:

Visit the Anne Frank House

Photo by Diego Maia via Flickr

You’ll have to wait in line for the better part of your day if you don’t book tickets in advance, but know that this attraction is popular for a reason. Visit the house where Anne Frank went into hiding and wrote her legendary diary, what would become one of the most widely read books in the world.

It’s an emotional experience to tour the house and witness the small secret annex where eight people hid for two years. But after climbing the narrow steps and traversing the rooms, you’ll have a much deeper understanding of the resounding importance of Anne Frank’s diary. Plan to spend at least an hour inside the Anne Frank House.

Check Out the Jordaan

Photo by Johan Wieland via Flickr

Once a poor district for the working class, today the Jordaan is one of the most upscale neighborhoods in Amsterdam. A stroll through the borough’s narrow lanes reveals stylish art galleries, outdoor markets and mouthwatering restaurants. (Don’t miss the Lindenmarkt on Saturdays.) The Anne Frank House is located just on the border of the Jordaan, making this a great place to wile away the afternoon once you’ve finished your time at the nearby museum.

Explore the Canals via Paddle Boat

Canals of Amsterdam

There are over one hundred kilometers of canals to explore in Amsterdam. One of the most popular ways to experience them is via a boat cruise, but for something slightly more unique, consider taking to the canals via a paddle boat. You’ll still get to explore the beauty of Amsterdam’s waterways, houseboats, and bridges, but in a slightly more private setting.

Shop at the Flower Market

Floating Flower Market

It’s the only floating flower market in the world, and it’s conveniently located on the Singel Canal. Browse for tulips and narcissus, or opt to purchase bulbs that are ready for export to plant in your personal garden. Or, if you’re like us, just enjoy the loveliness of the colorful, aromatic shops. Be sure to stop in the touristy cheese stores across the way from the flower market for a few complimentary samples of delicious Dutch cheese.

Go to the Van Gogh Museum

Photo by Julen Landa via Flickr

There’s no way that Van Gogh fans can miss the opportunity to explore the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh pieces. The permanent collection features more than 200 paintings and 500 drawings by Van Gogh, as well as Impressionist and Postimpressionist pieces by his contemporaries. Van Gogh’s art is organized chronologically into five periods, each representing a different period of his life and work: The Netherlands, Paris, Arles, Saint-Remy and Auvers-sur-Oise. Go early to avoid the crowds and find some peace amongst Van Gogh’s awe-inspiring legacy.

Drink In the Heineken Experience

Caption: Photo by PtM 1985 via Flickr

You don’t have to be a beer fanatic to appreciate the Heineken Experience. Take a tour through the historical Dutch brewery and learn about the beer making process, the history of Heineken, and watch Heineken commercials from around the world. After the interactive tour, you’ll be able to put your newfound knowledge to the test by sampling a couple of Heineken beers.

Get Lost in the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum was only recently reopened after a period of 10-years for refurbishment, but now the 8,000 paintings in the collection make for an absolute must-visit when in Amsterdam. The National Museum of the Netherlands, the museum is dedicated to the arts and history of Amsterdam. A few particularly prize-worthy pieces include Vermeer’s The Milkmaid and Rembrandt’s The Night Watch. If you miss out on visiting the Rijksmuseum, you can try a virtual tour; the Rijksmuseum is currently working with Google to bring the entire collection online.

Have you been to Amsterdam? What insider secrets would you add to the list?